DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an energy absorption device. More particularly relates to an impact energy absorption device to absorb and mitigate the sudden impact energy forces.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

As an example, when a vehicle experiences a sudden impact energy force from underneath the vehicle, the floor of the vehicle gets damaged or deformed and protrudes into the vehicle cabin where the occupants are seated. The occupants seated within the cabin experiences excessive accelerations from the floor due to the sudden impact energy forces. The accelerations generated in such a scenario are sudden and without warning. The occupants seated within the vehicle cabin are not ready for such a sudden forceful action from underneath the vehicle and these forces directly act on the occupant body as an example legs. This causes injuries to the passengers seated within the vehicle cabin and may cause the body of the passengers to rise against the gravity which is very dangerous and may sometimes lead to loss of life or limbs.

In order to avoid or mitigate such sudden impact energy forces on the occupant, various design strategies are used which are as follows:

• Provision of a suspended floor which is isolated from the vehicle structure is generally used and this particular construction of floor has a certain gap between the actual vehicle floor and the suspended floor. At the time of impact energy force action on floor, deformation occurs and parts of the forces are absorbed by the suspended floor.
• An energy absorption footpad aluminium honeycomb structure is installed in the existing vehicle floor.
• Special foam carpets are installed in the vehicle cabin below the occupant legs for impact energy absorption.

The above mentioned design variations are costly and it is also a highly tedious job to accommodate the above mentioned variations within the vehicle cabin. This leads to additional modifications of the vehicle floor which causes various other problems in ergonomics of the vehicle. This may also lead to other compromises which can put the life of the occupant within the vehicle cabin in danger. The existing methodologies do not provide sufficient protection and they are having less energy observation capabilities. Further designing an energy observer device for a particular requirement is a challenge in the existing designs.
Hence, there exists a need to develop an impact energy absorption device to provide proper cushioning effect and to absorb the massive reverse acceleration forces occurring on the body, including but not limiting to legs, of the passenger which is easily accommodated in a cabin ease and also which is cost effective.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
The main object of the present disclosure is to provide an impact energy absorption device in the cabin floor of a vehicle for absorbing and mitigating the sudden impact energy forces from underneath the vehicle.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an impact energy absorption device in a cabin which provides cushioning to an occupant by appropriate impact energy absorption.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an impact energy absorption device which is simple in construction & cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an impact energy absorption device comprising plurality of first members and plurality of second members, wherein, said plurality of first members are stacked in predetermined configuration in-between each pair of the plurality of second members to form plurality of compressible air pockets; at least one first provision provided in one or more of the compressible air pockets to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets to form one or more air channels and at least one second provision provided to facilitate outflow of air from the one or more air channels to the atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first members are configured in a form selected from a group comprising plate structure, curved structure and circular structure.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of first members are stacked substantially vertically in a first orientation and the plurality of first members are stacked substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation in between the plurality of second members to form plate structure.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of first members and the plurality of second members are optionally enclosed in an enclosure of predetermined shape.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the said at least one first provision is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the said at least one second provision is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, through holes, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the said air pockets are in shape selected from a group comprising, cube, rectangular box, pentagon, hexagon and circle.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method of assembling an impact energy absorption device comprising steps of: stacking and joining plurality of first members and plurality of second members, wherein, said plurality of first members are configured in a predetermined configuration in-between each pair of the plurality of second members to form plurality of compressible air pockets; wherein at least one first provision provided in one or more of the compressible air pockets to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets to form one or more air channels; and providing at least one second provision provided to facilitate outflow of air from at least one or more air channels to the atmosphere.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first members are configured in a form selected from a group comprising plate structure, curved structure and circular structure.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of first members are stacked substantially vertically in a first orientation and the plurality of first members are stacked substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation in between the plurality of second members to form plate structure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle showing seated position of an occupant within the cabin of the vehicle.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate one embodiment of an impact energy absorption device.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the impact energy absorption device cut section view showing brick wall structural construction.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate isometric view of the impact energy absorption device.

Figure 5 illustrates the gravitational forces from the occupant acting on the impact energy absorption device.

Figure 6 illustrates cut section view of the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device wherein, the pitch of the said first members is widened in a horizontal direction.

Figure 7 illustrates cut section view of the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device wherein, the pitch of the said first member is widened in a vertical direction.

Figure 8 illustrates cut section view of the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device wherein, the thickness of the said first members is considerable increased.

Figure 9 illustrates provisions provided in one or more compressible air pockets.

Figure 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d illustrate embodiments of various compressible air pockets within the impact energy absorption device.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
FIG.1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle (9) showing seated position of an occupant (11) within the cabin (8) of the vehicle (9). The vehicle (9) is equipped with a seat structure (10) and an occupant (11) is seated on it with the legs (12) of the occupant (11) resting on the surface of the cabin floor (14). The seat structure (10) is installed within the vehicle cabin (3) to provide a comfortable seating position for the occupant (11). The cabin floor (14) is integrated with an impact energy absorption device (100) and the occupant (11) seated within the cabin (8) of the vehicle (9) is facing front ward and his legs (12) are resting on the impact energy absorption device (100) integrated on the floor of the vehicle (9). The legs (12) of the passenger are resting on the said impact energy absorption device (100) and a considerable amount of down force is acting on the legs (12) due to gravitational forces (G) which are in turn transferred on to the impact energy absorption device (100).
The impact energy absorption device (100) integrated in the cabin floor (14) of the vehicle (9) needs to be soft enough and provide a cushioning effect and also to absorb all the sudden impact forces (F) coming up into the cabin (8) of the vehicle (9).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the impact energy absorption device (100) can be used in various other parts of the cabin (8) of the vehicle (9) to provide proper cushioning effect and to absorb the massive impact energy forces occurring on the occupant.
FIG. 2a and 2b illustrates one embodiment of an impact energy absorption device (100). FIG. 2(a) shows top view of one embodiment of an impact energy absorption device (100) and FIG. 2(b) shows the corresponding cut section view of the impact energy absorption device (100). The impact energy absorption device (100) is optionally enclosed in an enclosure (7) based on the requirement and dimension of the impact energy absorption device (100). The corresponding cut section view of the impact energy absorption device (100) shows the constructional details wherein, the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a first orientation and the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation (not shown in figure) in between the plurality of second members (2) to form a plate structure. The plurality of second members (2) is stacked one above the other and the first members (1) are stacked in between the plurality of second members (2) so as to form enclosed plurality of compressible air pockets (3). The plurality of compressible air pockets (3) forms the entire impact energy absorption device (100), and is placed adjacent to each other. The plurality of compressible air pockets (3) absorb the impact energy forces (F) acting on the cabin floor (14) of the vehicle (9). This helps mitigate the impact energy forces (F) acting on the occupants legs (12) seated in the cabin (8) of the vehicle (9).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure and as depicted in FIG. 2b, the enclosure (7) of the impact energy absorption device (100) has plurality of through holes (13) (FIG. 4) at predetermined locations so as to act as stress relieving holes for additional impact energy absorption. The plurality of through holes (13) is located at strategic locations based on the requirement of impact energy absorption. The through holes (13) facilitates passing of air out from the air pockets during an impact. The compressible air pockets (3) which would release the air into the though holes (13) are based on the design requirement and the amount of impact energy absorption requirement.

FIG 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device (100) which is having a brick wall structural construction. In the particular embodiment, the plurality of first members (1) is stacked in between the plurality of second members (2) in the first and second orientations respectively. The brick wall structural construction also forms plurality of compressible air pockets (3) which absorbs the impact energy forces (F) acting on the cabin floor (14) of the vehicle (9). The plurality of first members (1) is stacked substantially vertically in the first orientation and again, substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation is staggered and this exhibits a brick work structure.

FIG 4 (a) and 4 (b) illustrates isometric view of the impact energy absorption device (100). The said impact energy absorption device (100) is optionally enclosed in an enclosure (7) at far ends in one embodiment; the impact energy absorption device (100) forms a rectangular cube as shown in FIG .4 (a). Plurality of through holes (13) is provided at strategic points on the surface of the impact energy absorption device (100) for absorbing the impact energy forces (F). FIG 4 (b) shows the impact energy absorption device (100) without the enclosure (7) at its far ends and shows the grid formation within the impact energy absorption device (100). The grid within the impact energy absorption device (100) is in the form of a plate structure. The plate structure describes floor like structure having one or more plurality of compressible air pockets (3) which are interconnected with each other by at least one first provision (4) to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets (3). As disclosed in an embodiment of the disclosure, plurality of through holes (13) are provided at strategic locations which act as stress relieving holes which help in absorption of impact energy forces (F). The one or more compressible air pockets (3) are connected to each other by at least one first provision (4) to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets (3) and in turn forms an air channel (6) to facilitate air flow within the impact energy absorption device (100). The impact energy absorption device (100) is further provided with at least one second provision (5) to facilitate out flow of air from the one or more air channels (6) into the atmosphere. The at least one first provision (4) (not shown in fig.) provided in one or more of the compressible air pockets (3) is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents. The at least one second provision (5) is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, through holes, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents. The impact energy absorption device (100) at any time under the compressive forces from the occupants legs (12), the said one or more compressible air pockets (3) would act in elastic manner and will dissipate energy. For achieving the energy dissipation, the said at least one or more compressible air pockets (3) are provided with at least one second provision (5) (not shown in fig) through which the air is forced out into the atmosphere. During the flow of the air through the one or more air channels (6) formed by the at least one first provision (4), energy is absorbed and adequate cushioning is provided to the occupants legs (12).

FIG. 5 illustrates the gravitational forces (G) from the occupant’s legs (12) acting on the impact energy absorption device (100). The occupants legs (12) resting on the cabin floor (14) of the vehicle (9) exerts pressure on the impact energy absorption due to the inertia of the occupant (11) within the cabin (8) of the vehicle (9). The impact energy absorption device (100) acts as an elastic member wherein, the plurality of compressible air pockets (3) within the impact energy absorption device (100) adjust to the amount of air flow into the atmosphere through the one or more air channels (6) accordingly with the amount of force exerted on the impact energy absorption device (100). From the FIG. 5 the downward indicating arrows are the vertical forces generated due to the gravitational and inertial forces from the occupants legs (12). During the event of a sudden impact energy forces (F) from underneath the vehicle (9), the impact energy forces (F) so generated impact onto the floor of the vehicle (9) and these forces are transferred to the impact energy absorption device (100) of the vehicle (9). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air channel (6) is provided in the impact energy absorption device (100) for outflow of the air from the one or more compressible air pockets (3) into the atmosphere through at least one second provision (5) which is the through hole (13) shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates cut section view of the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device (100) wherein, the pitch of the said plurality of first members (1) is widened in a horizontal direction so as to provide for large volume one or more compressible air pockets (3).

FIG. 7 illustrates cut section view of the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device (100) wherein, the pitch of the said plurality of first members (1) is widened in a vertical direction so as to provide increased volume in the one or more compressible air pockets (3) and to provide additional height to the impact energy absorption device (100). The pitch can be varied based on the design requirement in terms of weight exerted by the occupant (11) on the energy absorption device (100) and the amount of impact energy it needs to absorb.

FIG. 8 illustrates cut section view of the internal structure of the impact energy absorption device (100) wherein, the thickness of the said plurality of first members (1) and the plurality of second members (2) is considerable increased so as to provide more durability and capability to absorb stronger impact energy forces (F) from underneath the vehicle (9). The grid within the impact energy absorption device (100) becomes denser and stronger retardation against the impact energy forces (F) is possible. The thickness of the plurality of at least one of first members (1) and the second members (2) can be increased or decreased based on the requirement of impact energy absorption that is required for specific vehicles. Hence, the person skilled in the relevant art can easily envisage the thickness of the plurality of first members (1) and the plurality of second members (2) by varying it according to the requirement of impact energy absorption. In one embodiment the thickness of the first members (1) and the second members (2) can be increased to increase the impact energy absorption of the impact energy absorption device (100).

FIG. 9 illustrates provisions provided in one or more compressible air pockets (3) of the impact energy absorption device (100). The one or more compressible air pockets (3) is provided with at least one first provision (4) to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets (3) which in turn forms one or more air channels (6) for air flow within the impact energy absorption device (100). The impact energy absorption device (100) is provided with at least one second provision (5) provided to facilitate outflow of air from the air channels (6) and into the atmosphere. The at least one first provision (4) provided in one or more of the compressible air pockets (3) is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents. The at least one second provision (5) is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, through holes, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents.

FIG. 10 (a), 10 (b), 10 (c) and 10 (d) illustrates embodiments of various compressible air pockets (3) within the impact energy absorption device (100). The shape of the one or more compressible air pockets (3) can vary depending on the size and requirement of impact energy absorption.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more compressible air pockets (3) are of plate structure (shown in FIG. 10 (a) which is in the form of honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure comprises of compressible air pockets (3) which are having at least one first provision (4) for flow of air within the one or more compressible air pockets (3) by forming one or more air channels (6). At least one or more of these air channels (6) is connected to at least one second provision (5) provided to facilitate outflow of air from the air channels (6) and into the atmosphere. The plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a first orientation and the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation in between the plurality of second members (2) to form a plate structure. This stacking of the plurality of first members (1) in a first orientation and second orientation leads to an enclosed compressible air pockets (3).

Similarly, different shapes of the compressible air pockets is shown in FIG. 10 (b) wherein, the one or more compressible air pockets (3) is of plate structure which is in the form of cube structure. The cube structure comprises of compressible air pockets (3) which are having at least one first provision (4) for flow of air within the one or more compressible air pockets (3) by forming one or more air channels (6). At least one or more of these air channels (6) is connected to at least one second provision (5) provided to facilitate outflow of air from the air channels (6) and into the atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure (shown in FIG. 10 (c)) wherein, the one or more compressible air pockets (3) are of rectangular structure. The rectangular structure comprises of compressible air pockets (3) which is having at least one first provision (4) for flow of air within the one or more compressible air pockets (3) through the one or more air channels (6). At least one or more of these air channels (6) is connected to at least one second provision (5) provided to facilitate outflow of air from the air channels (6) and into the atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure (shown in FIG. 10 (d)) wherein, the one or more compressible air pockets (3) are of circular structure. The circular structure comprises compressible air pockets (3) which are having at least one first provision (4) for flow of air within the one or more compressible air pockets (3) through the one or more air channels (6). At least one or more of these air channels (6) is connected to at least one second provision (5) provided to facilitate outflow of air from the air channels (6) and into the atmosphere.

One should not consider that the shapes described in the above depicted figures as limitation. One skilled in art can envisage different geometric shapes to meet the requirement. One such example could be but not limiting to rhombus shape of air pockets or one can also envisage combination of different shapes in a single impact energy absorption device (100).

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFFERAL NUMERALS

100 Impact energy absorption device
F Impact energy forces
G Gravitational force
1 First members
2 Second members
3 Compressible air pockets
4 First provision
5 Second provision
6 Air channels
7 Enclosure
8 Cabin
9 Vehicle
10 Seat Structure
11 Occupant
12 Occupant legs
13 Through holes
14 Cabin floor
,CLAIMS:1. An impact energy absorption device (100) comprising:
plurality of first members (1) and plurality of second members (2), wherein, said plurality of first members (1) are stacked in predetermined configuration in-between each pair of the plurality of second members (2) to form plurality of compressible air pockets (3);
at least one first provision (4) provided in one or more of the compressible air pockets (3) to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets (3) to form one or more air channels (6); and
at least one second provision (5) provided to facilitate outflow of air from the one or more air channels (6) to the atmosphere.

2. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first members (1) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising plate structure, curved structure and circular structure.

3. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a first orientation and the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation in between the plurality of second members (2) to form plate structure.

4. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first members (1) and the plurality of second members (2) are optionally enclosed in an enclosure (7) of predetermined shape.

5. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said at least one first provision (4) is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents.

6. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said at least one second provision (5) is configured in a form selected from a group comprising orifices, through holes, valves, nozzles, spigots and vents.

7. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the at least one first member (1) and the at least one second member (2) varies based on the impact energy absorption of the impact energy absorption device (100).

8. The impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the thickness of the first member (1) and the second member (2) can be increased to increase the impact energy absorption of the impact energy absorption device (100).

9. The method of assembling an impact energy absorption device (100) comprising steps of:
stacking and joining plurality of first members (1) and plurality of second members (2), wherein, said plurality of first members (1) are configured in a predetermined configuration in-between each pair of the plurality of second members (2) to form plurality of compressible air pockets (3); wherein at least one first provision (4) provided in one or more of the compressible air pockets (3) to facilitate air flow between the compressible air pockets (3) to form one or more air channels (6); and
providing at least one second provision (5) in-between the plurality of air pockets (3) to facilitate outflow of air from the one or more air channels (6) to the atmosphere.

10. The method of assembling an impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first members (1) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising plate structure, curved structure and circular structure.

11. The method of assembling an impact energy absorption device (100) as claimed in claim 7 wherein, the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a first orientation and the plurality of first members (1) are stacked substantially vertically in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation in between the plurality of second members (2) to form plate structure.